An auto-injector includes a base housing, an ampule, a needle arrangement, at least one drive assembly and a securing assembly which secures the drive assembly in its position with respect to the base housing until activated for the injection procedure. The securing assembly includes a securing cap with a cap jacket, a cap wall and a securing pin arranged inside the cap jacket. Arranged between the securing cap and the base housing is a guide arrangement with a first and a second guide element which define an adjustment path delimited in the axial direction on the side directed away from the distal end. In its release position, the securing cap is still arranged and held on the base housing.